Went up to Xavier High today and talked with Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore, who will be the head coach for the National Guard in the Hall of Fame Classic Military Bowl on Saturday.

He had this to say about the state of high school football in this state:

"It (high school football in CT) has improved tremendously over the last 10, 15 years. When you look at the time commitment and effort from coaches all over the state, which obviously translates down to the student-athletes, kids are getting bigger, faster, stronger."

"The skill level has increased with the onset of winter, spring and summer passing leagues."

"The colleges in our state have supported us well, offering different camps and clinics for the kids to go to to increase their skill set."

"I just think it has improved all around. You're seeing that with the number of kids that are going on and playing college football. That's a tribute to what we have as a state right now, and I think that's only going to continue to get better."

Hall of Fame Classic Military Bowl

2013 CT HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAME

Who: Team Marines vs. Team National Guard
When: Saturday, June 29
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Where: Rentschler Field, East Hartford
Tickets: $8
MARINES ROSTER
NATIONAL GUARD ROSTER